12 Photos to Inspire You to Explore the Tetons and Yellowstone

The Grand Teton National Park has a very special place in my heart. They are the first mountains I experienced out west and they are the first mountains I photographed. When my grandfather passed away I started to travel a lot more. I didn't really care about money anymore, I just wanted to have experiences.

Getting alone in the National Parks of Wyoming can bring a peace that can't be explained; well to me that is. I have here a few pictures that I hope will entice you to check this place out. The pictures show the parks in late fall and summer. So the weather can't be an excuse to not go. Its beauty does not waver. Probably a bit cheaper in the fall to tell you the truth. Pro tip: (If you live on the east coast) Fly into Denver and drive there. Its an 8 hour drive but the money you will save from not flying into Jackson Hole will be worth it; you will get to see more of Wyoming's beautiful state this way. The Hostel at Jackson Hole is $25 a night for a shared 4 bedroom. You may have to sleep by a complete stranger but you won't find anywhere remotely close to that price in Jackson. The hostel is also about 9 miles from the Grand Teton National Park as well, granted it's a terribly rough road into the park from Teton Village so be careful if you have a low clearing car. I think the biggest perk of staying at the Hostel is the free never ending coffee!!

I do talk in favor of the Tetons but don't miss Yellowstone while you are there. Go be a tourist for a bit but there are plenty of trails to get "lost" on. Don't be afraid of unbeaten paths, there are some cool places to get away from crowds, most aren't willing to walk far from their cars.

That's about all the help I can give you. I find it more fun to go and figure it out, you never know what you'll find this way.

1). Old Faithful Geyser; July 4th, 2016.

2). Grand Prismatic Geothermal Area; July 4th, 2016.

3). Grand Prismatic Spring; July 4th, 2016.

4). Grand Prismatic Geothermal Area; July 4th, 2016.

5). Jenny Lake; July 4th, 2016.

6). Mormon Row Historic District October; 6th, 2016.

7). A moose roaming the entrance into the Tetons; October 6th, 2016.

8). Bison taking the kids out for a stroll; October 7th, 2016.

9). Jackson Lake October; 7th, 2016.

10). Mormon Row Historic District; October 6th, 2016.

11). Sunset Grand Teton National Park; October 7th, 2016.

I saved this picture for last. I mean I haven't ever been able to recreate the feeling of standing in front of this mass that seems to tell the sun when to cast shadow to the valley. The colors are natural here folks.

Do yourself a favor and start researching and commit to this trip. I promise you won't be disappointed. If money is an issue; you can always work more, right?

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!